The Abhimanyu drone, built as a loyal wingman for the Navy’s MiG-29K and upcoming Rafale-M, features a jet engine and low radar cross-section design for greater survivability
New Delhi: The Indian Navy is set to take a major leap in unmanned combat aviation with the induction of its first carrier-based stealth drone, ‘Abhimanyu,’ by 2026. Developed by Bengaluru-based NewSpace Research and Technologies (NRT), the jet-powered drone is designed as a loyal wingman for the Navy’s MiG-29K and future Rafale-M fighters, marking a significant step under the Naval Collaborative Combat Air Vehicle (N-CCAV) programme.
Built for carrier operations, Abhimanyu will feature artificial intelligence, manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), and autonomous air-to-air combat abilities. Its low radar cross-section design, aided by a chine-wrapped fuselage and twin side-mounted air intakes, ensures stealth and survivability in contested environments. The aircraft’s sleek configuration, with swept wings and a single vertical tail, enables it to operate alongside manned fighters in complex missions.
While not a fully stealth platform, Abhimanyu balances reduced radar visibility with cost-effectiveness, allowing for faster production and potential expendability during combat. Its AI systems enable it to execute high-risk missions independently or in coordination with pilots, expanding sensor reach and providing enhanced situational awareness.
Under the N-CCAV framework, the drone will play multiple roles surveillance, electronic warfare, precision strikes, and swarming operations acting as a force multiplier for carrier strike groups. The Navy’s long-term plan envisions deploying a fleet of such drones with modular designs tailored for specific mission types, strengthening India’s maritime presence in the Indo-Pacific.
The Abhimanyu project is partially funded through the Defence Ministry’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) programme, supplemented by NRT’s internal investment. The Navy has pledged a minimum procurement once the drone reaches operational readiness, setting the stage for serial production.
Compared with the Indian Air Force’s HAL Warrior drone, Abhimanyu is smaller, more modular, and optimised for affordability and rapid deployment. Globally, it represents a pragmatic counterpart to high-end systems like China’s GJ-11 or the US Navy’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
Although the programme faces challenges such as achieving carrier-grade autonomous operation and ensuring consistent funding, Abhimanyu signals a transformative shift in India’s naval aviation strategy one that blends manned precision with unmanned versatility to redefine future combat readiness.
